an overabundance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overabundance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an excessive amount of something. Example: "The garden was filled with an overabundance of flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful display."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Academic Writing

News Reporting

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An inward directed world of imagining, replete with an overabundance of anxiety and second-guessing.

Huffington Post

"There's an overabundance of supply.

The Guardian - Tech

It's an overabundance of emotion".

The Guardian - Film

There was an overabundance of spectacular tricks.

The New York Times

Neither displayed an overabundance of charisma.

The Washington Post

"I don't think there's an overabundance of awareness out there".

The New York Times

Throughout the tour, there was an overabundance of food metaphors.

The New York Times

"Not every area has an overabundance of animals," he said.

The New York Times

"I suffer from an overabundance of melancholy," she said.

The New Yorker

The most recent responses reflected an overabundance of lettuce.

The New York Times - Health

The next day, he blamed an overabundance of defensive schemes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overabundance of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the excess is positive or negative. For example, "an overabundance of caution" suggests excessive wariness, while "an overabundance of opportunities" implies plentiful chances.

Common error

While "an overabundance of" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "a surplus of" or "an excess of" in professional or academic writing. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overabundance of" typically functions as a determiner phrase within a sentence, modifying a noun to indicate an excessive quantity or amount. Ludwig's examples show it is used to describe situations where there is more of something than is needed or desirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overabundance of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote an excessive quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's particularly common in news reporting and academic writing, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using the phrase, consider if the excess is positive or negative and whether a simpler term like "too much" might be more appropriate. While versatile, it’s wise to be mindful of the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surplus of

Focuses on the excess quantity, implying more than what is needed.

an excess of

Highlights that the amount is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

a plethora of

Emphasizes a large or excessive quantity of something.

a glut of

Describes an excessive supply, often leading to lower prices or devaluation.

a profusion of

Implies a lavish or extravagant supply.

too much of

A more direct and simple way to express having more than enough.

an embarrassment of riches

Suggests having so many good things that it can be overwhelming or difficult to choose.

a wealth of

Indicates a large amount, often with a positive connotation.

more than enough

States that there is a sufficient or excessive quantity, removing any scarcity or shortage.

an inundation of

Suggests being overwhelmed by a large quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "an overabundance of" in a sentence?

You can use "an overabundance of" to describe situations where there is too much of something. For example, "There was "an overabundance of food" at the party", or "The company suffered from "an overabundance of regulations"".

What are some alternatives to saying "an overabundance of"?

Alternatives to "an overabundance of" include "a surplus of", "an excess of", or "a plethora of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "overabundance of" without the article "an"?

While technically understandable, omitting "an" before "overabundance" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase requires the article "an" because "overabundance" is a countable noun in this context. It's always preferable to use the complete phrase "an overabundance of".

What's the difference between "an overabundance of" and "too much"?

"An overabundance of" is a more formal and descriptive way of saying "too much". "Too much" is simpler and more direct, while "an overabundance of" often implies a more significant or problematic level of excess. Consider the specific context to select the most appropriate phrasing.